Sen. Michael Sirotkin’s name will appear last in a list of 11 candidates on the Aug. 9 Democratic primary ballot for six Chittenden County Senate seats. I hope you will check Michael’s name first and give him one of your six votes so we can re-elect him to the Vermont Senate in November.

Here’s why. Michael earned respect in his legal career for using his knowledge and talent to help make life better for people, especially by taking on big tobacco, drug manufacturers and insurance special interests to protect Vermont consumers.

When his wife, Sen. Sally Fox, died, Gov. Shumlin appointed Michael to fulfill her term. In 2014, Michael was elected in his own right because it was evident his negotiating skills, empathy and ability to make progress on complicated issues served Chittenden County well.

His leadership this year was instrumental in legislative action to combat opiate addiction, to enact paid sick leave, improve ratepayer representation in utility rates, enhance farm to school meals programs and to support smart development in Burlington.

As a former state representative, Agency of Human Services secretary and director of United Way, I worked with Michael on many issues over the years, and I know you can count on him to improve economic, social and environmental conditions for all of us. He has a proven record of accomplishment and we will benefit from someone with his experience in the Vermont Senate. Please vote for Michael Sirotkin on Aug. 9.